Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for Carlton Mason Stearns:
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Has anyone else looked into the reports about the types of crimes Deputy Stearns was investigating before his tragic death? I’ve read some pieces that suggested a rise in thefts and burglaries around Copalis Beach at the time, especially with clam season ramping up, which meant more people in the area. It makes me wonder if someone was trying to cover their tracks and if his investigation got too close to something bigger. His dedication to keeping his community safe was undeniable, and it's just devastating that his life was cut short. I haven’t seen much discussion on whether any of the theft victims or suspects from that period were ever re-interviewed. Seems like there could be threads worth pulling that might bring new insights into this tragic loss. Sending love and strength to his family, who have had to carry this unsolved burden for so long.
I've been reading up on the tragic case of Deputy Sheriff Carlton Mason Stearns, and there's one detail that really baffles me. Can anyone explain why the sheriff was so quick to rule the death as a suicide, especially with so many signs pointing to foul play? The weapon was found 50-65 feet away—how could that be consistent with suicide? And considering Stearns was known for investigating some pretty serious thefts in the area, you'd think there'd be more urgency in exploring alternative theories. It just seems like such a disservice not only to Stearns and his commitment to justice but also to his family, who must have struggled with this unexplained loss. Does anyone know if there were pressures on local law enforcement that might have influenced this ruling back in '36?
I recently stumbled upon some interesting details about the witnesses who were among the first on the scene after Deputy Sheriff Carlton Mason Stearns' death. There was mention of a couple who were reportedly driving to Copalis Beach for clam digging when they discovered Stearns' body. I find it peculiar how their statements seemed to contradict themselves multiple times, especially regarding the time they arrived and the exact location of the weapon. The husband initially mentioned he almost didn't stop because he thought it was an abandoned vehicle issue, but later changed that to noticing something was off immediately.
I wonder if the investigation at the time thoroughly analyzed these accounts. It's baffling to think there might have been inconsistencies or possibly overlooked pieces of information that could point towards others' involvement?
My heart goes out to Deputy Stearns' family, who must have faced so much uncertainty and pain without having any solid closure all these years. It's tough to see justice left so inconclusive in a case like this. If any of you have come across additional information regarding these witnesses or any other potential leads, I’d love to hear your thoughts.